School extension – modular construction concept

For Schlossmatt School in Burgdorf, Blumer Lehmann worked with Bauart architects to refine its established modular school building concept and executed an extension as a full-service contractor.

The new school building consists of two building sections connected by a two-storey, open-plan intermediate structure. The extension accommodates two kindergarten classes and seven primary school classes, along with rooms designed for the day school concept. The east wing of the building has three floors, while the west wing has two floors with a green roof garden.

Exposed spruce inside and out

Most of the ceilings and interior walls are made of exposed spruce, ensuring a pleasant indoor climate. On the outside, the facade design reflects the modular construction system. The natural wood cladding of the facade is treated solely with transparent weatherproofing. The frames for the window areas were specially developed for this project and make reference to a defining detail of the existing buildings. They were created using timber.

Heating, cooling and ventilation in the new school building are provided using modern low-tech systems: the heating and cooling by air source heat pumps and highly efficient Rio Therm air conditioning units, the electricity by the photovoltaic system on the roof.

Rapid execution in modular construction

The school complex was constructed from 106 room modules made of spruce, each 6.5 m long, 3.25 m wide and 3.4 m high. The prefabricated timber modules were erected in Burgdorf within a month.